Hualing had not expected Cheng Su to be so knowledgeable about hotel affairs. She thought that even though Cheng Su knew how to cook a couple of dishes and had now opened a restaurant, it was just a small fast food joint, merely playing with a big knife in front of the big restaurants, showing off in vain.
Yet she hadn’t imagined that Cheng Su would be so familiar with hotel business. Where did she get such insights and perspective?
Hualing’s repeated provocations had made everyone quite distasteful, subconsciously distancing themselves from her and not engaging in much conversation with her.
Unaware of this subtle change herself, Hualing was still pondering over Cheng Su’s abilities when Chen Shouwang noticed it. At their table, people were either talking with Cheng Su or conversing with the next table, making the couple seem like outsiders who did not fit in.
Chen Shouwang frowned, glancing at Hualing’s face, which used to be beautiful and dignified but now seemed somewhat distorted and unattractive.
He couldn’t help feeling somewhat disappointed.
How had Hualing come to change like this?
Sister-in-law Zhou also whispered to Cheng Su, "I really don’t know how you live with her in the same building. She seems to target you at every turn. Do you owe her money that you haven’t paid back?"
Cheng Su let out a laugh and teasingly raised an eyebrow, "Do I look like someone who needs to borrow money?"
Sister-in-law Zhou laughed too, "That’s right. Your little restaurant may be small, but with such a chef and your talent for eloquence, your business is bound to be good."
Cheng Su smiled and said, "That’s why she’s just a jumping clown, trying to make herself felt. Why would I bother competing with her? It’s too tiresome for me."
Sister-in-law Zhou gave a thumbs up, "You’ve got a big heart; I like people like you. It’s a pity, though, we might not have the chance to meet again in the future!"
Knowing she was referring to the demobilization, Cheng Su responded, "Don’t worry, there will always be opportunities. It’s not convenient to talk today; how about Commander Zhou and you come over for tea at our place tomorrow evening? We can chat then?"
"Okay," Sister-in-law Zhou nodded.
Meanwhile, at Qi Taiguo’s table, Old Zhou stood up, holding a chopstick, "Comrades and brothers, some of us might not have been through life and death together, but by serving in the same unit, we’ve formed a bond. In the future, no matter where we are, we’ll always be eternal comrades, eternal brothers."
"Eternal comrades, eternal brothers!" The men all stood up and toasted together, creating a somber atmosphere.
"My dear comrades..." Someone started singing the Comrade-in-Arms song.
Ah, you are leaving today.
Remembering the road we walked together, countless stories flood my mind.
Unforgettable are the night patrols we did together.
Unforgettable is climbing the watchtower at dawn, singing military songs together.
Ah, marching together in step, a single flask of water on our journey warms our hearts with your kindness.
In wind, frost, rain, and snow, training hard with sweat flowing, never afraid of heavy tasks, striving for excellence with the number one spot.
Ah, comrade, ah comrade, my dear comrade
We grew together in the military camp.
The character of a soldier, forged over time.
Ah, comrade, ah comrade, my dear comrade.
In the military camp, we became good brothers.
The true feelings of a soldier are eternal...
The clear song traveled beyond the courtyard, into the night. Cheng Su looked at the soldiers before her, her eyes gradually moistening. She turned away quietly, wiped the corner of her eyes, grabbed her chopsticks, tapped on the bowl, and hummed along.
Soldiers, the most endearing people, today you go, and I send you off with a drink.